I Tame Beasts by Feeding

"ROAR..."

The Red Purgatory let out a roar, but this time, the sound lacked its usual ferocity and was instead filled with gentleness. The rampaging Evil Fire on its body shuddered in unison before retracting back into its body.

Immediately after, a dazzling golden light erupted, and a terrifying pressure descended upon the void, rising from the Red Purgatory. The Red Purgatory’s Dragon’s Roar was incessant as its draconic body suddenly expanded, stretching out completely to blot out the sky and sun, casting a vast shadow below.

The draconic might washed over the land in continuous waves, shaking the mountains and forests. At the same moment, Jing Xueyi’s zither music slowly came to an end. As the last lingering notes faded, everyone slowly opened their eyes, their minds reluctant to leave the tranquil state, as if waking from a deep sleep.

Jing Xueyi had a brilliant smile on her face. After retracting her Flowing Light Zither, she was panting slightly, her face flushed, but her eyes were as bright as moonlight.

"ROAR!"

The Dragon’s Roar was loud and clear. When its aura reached its absolute Peak, the winds and clouds gathered in an instant. Streaks of black patterns suddenly branded themselves onto the Red Purgatory’s body. In that unseen realm, it felt as if some kind of shackle had been broken...

The Laws of the world surged. The Red Purgatory grew excited, all the Evil Qi on its body contracting at that moment. As it opened its mouth, the glittering golden embryo of a Dragon Pearl slowly emerged...

It was called a Dragon Pearl, but it looked more like a strange orb of light. It emitted a soft, golden glow as it floated in the void, exuding a vast draconic might. All sorts of strange energies were converging within it.

"It broke through to Tier Three?!"

Yu Changsheng’s eyes snapped open, and his face lit up with joy at the sight.

[The Red Purgatory has successfully broken through to Tier Three. Bloodline potential increased. Physical strength has greatly improved! Domain has been enhanced! Divine Soul has been enhanced! Acquired 100,000 Essence Points!]

[Flame has mutated into Hell Fiery Fire. Attacks now carry a baleful Evil Qi, greatly increasing attack power and inflicting a corrosive effect on the Divine Soul! Talent Divine Technique comprehended: Evil Fire Purgatory!]

...

A feedback loop from its Cultivation surged into him at the same time. In an instant, his already saturated Cultivation advanced another step. His Nine-Layered Spirit Platform became completely filled and solidified, and the aura of Foundation Establishment Peak erupted from him. Then, tiny cracks slowly began to appear at the base of his Spirit Platform...

’This isn’t the time to break through!’

Yu Changsheng’s expression changed. His depleted Magical Power was instantly replenished, and his Divine Soul became full once more. Gritting his teeth, he forcefully suppressed it. His Spirit Platform flashed with light, and under the immense pressure, the cracks vanished.

In return, Yu Changsheng’s Cultivation achieved an even greater state of Perfection. The majestic aura of Foundation Establishment Peak poured out of him as the wind and clouds stirred, and nature’s spiritual energy frantically poured into his body.

’This guy... is only at Foundation Establishment? This pressure can already match a typical Golden Core cultivator? Just how profound is his foundation at this stage?’

Jing Xueyi’s expression was grave. She swallowed an Elixir and let out a deep breath, her gaze fixed on Yu Changsheng, unable to hide the shock in her eyes.

After a long moment, Yu Changsheng slowly opened his eyes again. A sharp glint flashed in their depths. He gave a slow stretch, his essence, energy, and spirit all returning to their Peak state.

"ROAR..."

The Red Purgatory shrank down, transforming into a smaller serpent-like dragon that floated beside Yu Changsheng, nuzzling him affectionately.

Yu Changsheng chuckled and examined the Red Purgatory closely. In terms of form, there wasn’t much difference from before. The only change was a new layer of black patterns covering its body, from which faint traces of Evil Qi emanated.

After assessing the Status of his body, Yu Changsheng turned to the serene-looking Jing Xueyi. A hint of gratitude showed in his eyes as he solemnly clasped his fist in a bow and said earnestly,

"I truly have to thank you this time, Fellow Daoist Jing. If it weren’t for you, things would have likely turned grim. I am endlessly grateful. If there’s anything you need, just say the word."

Jing Xueyi smiled softly at his words and replied gently, "It was nothing. I should be the one thanking you, Young Master Yu, for saving me just now. It was the least I could do. Since I happened to be here, I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing."

As she spoke, Jing Xueyi looked up at Yu Changsheng, her eyes rippling like autumn waters. After a slight hesitation, she added tentatively, "Also, Young Master Yu, you don’t have to be so formal. If you don’t mind, you can just call me Xueyi."

"Alright." Yu Changsheng was taken aback for a moment, then nodded, a hint of awkwardness in his expression. "You don’t have to be so distant either. Just call me Changsheng."

Business was business. Although Yu Changsheng had no romantic interest in Jing Xueyi, her timely intervention had indeed saved him from significant trouble. Because of this, his favorable impression of her had grown considerably.

Besides, everyone appreciates beauty. With Jing Xueyi’s looks, it was hard for anyone to dislike her.

"By the way, what’s the name of that piece you were just playing?"

Yu Changsheng paused, thought for a moment, and asked softly.

Jing Xueyi smiled sweetly, her cherry-like lips parting to utter two words: "Soul Repose."

"It’s not an offensive Magic, but one that targets the Divine Soul. It has the effect of amplifying it, clarifying the Dao Heart, and dispelling malevolent forces."

Jing Xueyi explained softly, then smiled and said, "It was also thanks to the Evil Jade Demon Flower you gave me, Changsheng. Otherwise, I’m not sure I could have played the entire piece in a place like this."

As the two of them were talking, Zhang Tianwen and Li Minghan, who were standing to the side, let out a soft cough. Li Minghan looked around, pondered for a moment, and said,

"Alright, how about we leave this place first? The commotion just now might have attracted who-knows-how-many people. We’re not afraid, but we can’t keep fighting one battle after another without any rest."

"Good point." Yu Changsheng thought for a moment and nodded. "But speaking of which, for people from the Dark Current to have secretly entered the Secret Realm this time... all I can say is they’re truly audacious." A cold glint flashed in Yu Changsheng’s eyes as he sneered.

"It can’t be helped. Anyone who meets the conditions can enter the Celestial Slaughter Secret Realm this time. At a critical juncture like this, oversights are inevitable."

Zhang Tianwen waved his hand with a helpless expression, but then a cold smile touched his lips. "But this is a good thing, too. I was just wondering when I’d get a chance to deal with those Dark Current bastards. Now that they’ve walked right into the trap, it saves me the trouble."

"True."

Yu Changsheng smiled faintly. Now that his Red Purgatory had broken through to Tier Three, his overall strength was high enough to fight even a Mid-stage Golden Core expert. He could afford to be a bit bolder on this trip to the Secret Realm.

After all, across the entire Martial Continent, few could cultivate to the Golden Core realm within a hundred years. Reaching the Mid-stage Golden Core was the limit for most of them.

"If that’s what you’re thinking..." Jing Xueyi, who had been listening quietly to their conversation, spoke up after a moment of hesitation.

"About a thousand li to the east, there is a great rift valley. Many members of the Dark Current have gathered there. It seems they’re searching for some kind of treasure...

However, the area is swarming with too many Evil Ghosts, and they are incredibly powerful. For now, the Dark Current members can’t get inside.

I was just passing by earlier and, out of curiosity, took a peek. Unfortunately, I was discovered, which is how those eight ended up chasing me all the way here..."

Jing Xueyi spoke softly, and when she finished, she looked at Yu Changsheng and the others.

Yu Changsheng was momentarily stunned. Then, a thoughtful, enlightened look crossed his face as he asked, "Do you know the specific strength of those Dark Current members?"

"Well," Jing Xueyi thought for a moment. "Excluding the eight who were chasing me, there are about twelve others. Among them, there are probably two Golden Core cultivators."

Previously, Jing Xueyi would never have shared this information with Yu Changsheng. But after witnessing him suppress a Golden Core expert from the Dark Current and seeing his Red Purgatory break through to Tier Three, she felt it was something they could now consider.

"Two Golden Core experts..."

Yu Changsheng mused on this, then turned to Zhang Tianwen. Zhang Tianwen just smiled and said, "It’s fine. If you think it’s a good idea, Changsheng, then let’s go take a look."

"Besides, I’m also very curious about what kind of opportunity would make the Dark Current deploy so many people to investigate."